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Friday, June 21, 2019

Summer is finally here and last week we were invited to a neighborhood pot luck. I always like to bring something homemade and I thought about making my Blackberry Peach Cobbler in a jar. Hmm, but I've been wanting to try these cute little cheesecakes and I happened to have all of the ingredients on hand! I actually read through several different recipes found on Pinterest but some gave the measurements in grams (?), a couple called for whipping cream and I was out, and most only made 6 and I was headed to a party. So, here is my version.

They were very easy and a real hit!

Defrost a frozen bag of mixed berries and throw in a few sliced fresh strawberries too if you have them. Honestly, any of your favorite fruit for the topping would work. Add a couple of tablespoons of powdered sugar and let them render some juice.

Top the graham crust with several spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture. Lastly add the berries.

I did thicken my fruit by pouring the defrosted fruit juices into a small saucepan. I added 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and brought to a simmer until slightly thickened. Then folded back into the berries and topped off the cream cheese. Chill until ready to serve.

It's so easy to screw on the jar lids and take to a party. You can gild the lily by adding a dollop of whipped cream but it's not necessary.

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

I've just returned from a glorious Mediterranean cruise. This trip has been on the bucket list for quite some time and Scott and I finally decided it was the perfect way to celebrate our 42nd anniversary. My sister Rose and her husband joined us - she was celebrating a milestone birthday, her 60th.

The weather in May was fabulous, typically in the 60's and 70's and mostly sunny. One of our ports of call was Marseille, the second largest city in France.

Marseille as a port city on the Mediterranean coast is known for it's shipping and commerce, fishing, and tourism industries. Guess what else it's known for? Soap!

The history of soap making in Marseille goes back over 600 years. Then, as today, the soap is made from a mixture of sea water from the Mediterranean Sea, olive oil and alkaline ash from sea plants. These are heated for several days in a large cauldron then poured into molds and while still soft cut into bars and stamped with the traditional label

"Savon de Marseille". I had to ask the shop keeper why the soap was imprinted with a horseshoe. She explained that there are only a few factories still making the authentic Savon de Marseille, one of the them is la savonnerie Fer de Cheval - or Iron Horse factory.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Country style decorating never seems to go out of fashion. In the 80's and 90's we called it "Country" or "Primitive". Now it's "Farmhouse" or "Rustic". Whatever you call it, I still love the colors and textures of vintage items. One of my go to collectibles is old stoneware crocks. Sometimes referred to as pickle crocks these originally were used for brining and preserving fresh vegetables from the garden.

However, they look great filled with greenery for a centerpiece,

or overflowing with flowers on the front porch.

Here is my small collection of vintage crocks. I use them to hold rolling pins and other kitchen utensils, magazines and an assortment of herbs.

Old crocks are frequently marked with a number representing the size, or with a makers mark or design.

If you're lucky you can find vintage crocks while antiquing in the $20-50 range. My son bought a large one once for only $5! Rare or unique designs sell for in the hundreds.

Crocks are a nice way to add a little authenticity to your Farmhouse decor without spending a fortune!

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

My yard is covered in snow and more is on the way. Frosty winter mornings are perfect for serving steaming hot oatmeal in ... a porringer. A what? Porringers are shallow bowls with flat handles made expressly for serving hot cereals (or porridge) in. They date back to medieval times when they were frequently made of wood or clay. During the colonial era pewter and silver became the materials of choice and they were especially popularized by Paul Revere.

I started collecting porringers years ago loving their simple design with the decorative handle. The handles often were engraved with a monogram.

Porringers are made in assorted sizes and depths.

These are tiny porringers made to be individual salt cellars.

I like to use porringers as candy or nut dishes, or catch-alls on my desk. They also are popular baby dishes and make a unique baby gift.

I frequently find porringers while antiquing for as little as $8-10.

New ones can be purchased from finer silver companies like Reed and Barton or Kirk Stieff in the $50-100 range.

Monday, November 12, 2018

Are you familiar with Emile Henry? They are a French company ( but of course!) known for their exceptional cook and bakeware. The company was founded in 1850 by Mssr. Henry (pronounced en-ree) in the province of Burgundy, France where the clay soil is perfect for making baking dishes that both conduct and retain heat. They make a wide variety of products from casseroles to pie dishes and ramekins to dutch ovens.

Several years ago I found this covered dish in a thrift store. It is called a terrine and while I have never made an actual terrine, I find it is the perfect size to make macaroni and cheese for two, scalloped potatoes, or a small meatloaf.

I believe I paid $4!

Then while out thrifting yesterday I found these two baking dishes, one square and one large rectangle. I love the richly colored glazes that Emile Henry uses. Not only are the pieces highly functional going from freezer to oven, they also look gorgeous on the table! I can't wait to serve a lasagna or sweet potato casserole in these.

Each piece is embossed on the bottom with the company's name and signature key in a shield so you know it's authentic.

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About Me

Bonjour! I'm Karee and I grew up with a love of antiquing remembering with fondness outings with my parents in the Pennsylvania countryside.
After many years of being an avid collector I turned my passion into my profession! I've been an antiques dealer for fifteen years focusing on the treasures of France, England and Italy. I'm always shopping, so check my blog frequently for newly listed items for sale and ways to turn your home into your castle!